- Zelenskyy stated that holding elections during wartime would risk destroying Ukraine, emphasizing the need for specific conditions established by allies for safe and legitimate elections.
- Fedorov was said to have overreached in his role, leading to his decline of four alternative government jobs offered by Zelenskyy.
- Zelenskyy reported that Russia possesses a stockpile of 600-630 high-speed ballistic missiles and is attempting to produce over 100 more per month, with a maximum capacity of 1,300 per year.
- Ballistic missiles have been utilized to bomb Ukrainian infrastructure and the capital, resulting in increased civilian casualties, while there is a shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, the only effective counter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns that conducting elections during the ongoing war with Russia could lead to a division within the country. He stated, “I believe that during such a war, elections in general are big risks. Elections right now are a tsunami for the state that will split,” emphasizing the precarious situation Ukraine faces as Russia amasses military resources.
Elections have been suspended since martial law was enacted at the onset of the full-scale invasion. Zelenskyy’s term is set to end in May 2024, but the desire for elections has waned amid the conflict. This sentiment shifted when Minister Fedorov called for a new election, marking a significant challenge to Zelenskyy’s authority.23
Zelenskyy indicated that he would support elections if “specific conditions” were established by Ukraine’s allies to ensure safety and legitimacy. He noted that military participation would be essential, especially in frontline territories and among the millions of displaced citizens. He stressed that any election must occur “without strikes and shelling.”1
In the backdrop of these political tensions, Zelenskyy highlighted the military threat posed by Russia, which has a stockpile of 600-630 high-speed ballistic missiles and is producing over 100 more a month. He warned that these missiles have been used to target Ukrainian infrastructure, leading to increased civilian casualties. The situation is further complicated by a shortage of US-made Patriot interceptors, the only effective defense against such attacks.4567
“Zelenskyy would support elections only if allies set specific conditions for safe voting, including participation of the military and front-line territories. Russia holds 600-630 ballistic missiles, with a production capacity of 1,300 per year, and Ukraine faces a shortage of Patriot interceptors.”
The Guardian
